A Psychology Student's Mental Experience

Archive for the tag “comic”

I have just finished reading Stitches by David Small, a graphic novel about his childhood growing up in a loveless home. I also received Psychiatric Tales for Christmas, another excellent graphic novel (ish). I am always amazed at how powerful graphic novels can be, so I thought I’d make a quick list of some psychology related graphic novels that I consider worth reading. Please let me know if you know of any more!

Couch Fiction – Phillipa Perry and Junko Graat
This graphic novel is not particularly “story” driven, but does give a great insight into the therapy process. We follow a therapist seeing her new client, and while the troubles he has and her dealing with him are about as simple as can be, being able to see into the minds of both people gives a unique insight into what it is like both to be a client and a therapist. The footnotes at the bottom of most pages then explain the process further, including explaining certain terms and also the intentions of the therapist.
An interesting graphic novel especially worth reading for anyone who wants to know more about what psychodynamic therapy is about.

Psychatric Tales – Darryl Cunningham
This “graphic novel” is clearly intended to give people insight into what working on a psychiatric ward is like. It is split into focused sections like “elderly”, “cutting”, and “bipolar”, and the author clearly has plentiful experience and hold the values of respect, caring, and understanding close. Recommended for anyone interested in learning about psychiatric wards or mental health in general.

Depresso – Brick
Ok, I admit I’ve not had a chance to read this one yet. But it looks good!

Stitches – David Small
Growing up in a loveless house is difficult in any circumstances, but it wasn’t until later that this young man finally found out how much damage he suffered at the hands of his parents. An emotional story of a trapped child, and triumph over adversity.